Video shows shocking homophobic abuse in the heart of London’s gay scene
A video has emerged of a homophobic incident which took place in the centre of the Soho area of London during which verbal abuse is hurled at two cabaret performers.
Cabaret and burlesque gender dissillusionist Miss Cairo, and friend Rubyyy Jones said the man featured in the video (a rickshaw driver) approached them and told them to “suck [his] dick”, as they walked for a bus on Old Compton Street, Soho.
Videos posted by both victims show the abuse, during which the perpetrator tells them to “suck his dick”, and says he “doesn’t respect” one of the victims who he calls a “fucking gay boy”.
Please note that both videos contain strong language.
A second video shows a friend of the man shout “bad man don’t wear dresses”, after a passer-by asks for a photograph with Miss Cairo.
The incident has been reported to police, who have said they will follow up with the victims this weekend.
Miss Cairo told PinkNews: “This hasn’t been the first time I have received homophobic abuse in London. A few months ago I had a very severe incident of homophobic on the N29 bus route. I stopped the bus and notified the police who arrested the abuser. A month later I received a cheque as form of compensation. Instead of cashing it in, I rang the magistrates and told them that I was angry that they hadn’t kept me in the loop and I felt that I was being paid off.
“I am now in talks with the court to discuss a more positive way of tackling hate crime abusers. I have suggested the person should attend an LGBTQ awareness course, in order for them to understand more about equality and our sexual orientation should not be used against us.”
She went on so say that she was extremely grateful for support from those who had seen the videos online, but that she was shocked to see racist comments calling for the man to be deported in her defence.
“After putting this video up on Facebook, we were shown a lot of love and support, but I was appalled to see the level of racism which was being used as a form of ‘support’. It doesn’t matter when this man is from, this man needs to be educated about tolerance.”
Soho is considered by many to be the heart of London’s gay scene, and is generally known to be diverse and accepting.
